A politician in Brazil has caused controversy by calling for new laws allowing blood transfusion patients to be able to opt for 'straight blood'.

Congressman Jair Bolsonaro has said his far-right Progressive Party wants to bring in policy in which people are made aware when they are receiving blood from a homosexual donor.

The 60-year-old veteran politician added patients should then be able to ask for blood which has come from a heterosexual if they feel uncomfortable.

The calls come following a relaxation in the country's laws around blood donations from homosexuals.

Such donations had previously been banned but since 2013 Brazil's Ministry for Health has allowed donations from gay men if they are in a long-term relationship or they have not had sex in the last 12 months.

Critics have accused him of discrimination and creating misinformed fears about patient safety.

Bolsonaro, who has served as a congressman since 1991, is a controversial figure in Brazilian politics and well-known for his outspoken views on same-sex relationships.

The policy of the National Blood Service in the UK not to accept donations of blood from men who have had sex with men in the previous year. The service has argued the rules are necessary to reduce the spread of HIV.